BREAKING: A dramatic encounter in New Zealand’s Waikato region has left fugitive father Tom Phillips dead and one of his three children rescued after a lengthy manhunt that lasted nearly four years. Authorities confirm that Phillips, who had been hiding in the bush with his children since December 2021, was shot by police during a confrontation early on September 8, 2025.
The incident unfolded when police responded to an alarm at a remote property, where they suspected a burglary was taking place. As officers approached, they encountered gunfire at close range, resulting in a serious head injury to one officer. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers reported that “soon after a second patrol unit arrived and engaged the offender,” leading to Phillips’ death at the scene.
Authorities recovered a child at the location along with multiple firearms, prompting urgent inquiries to locate Phillips’ other two children, Ember (9) and Maverick (10). The third child, Jayda (12), was found safe, receiving immediate support from authorities.
This tragic outcome is the culmination of a protracted custody dispute that had forced Phillips to take his children from their family home. The children’s mother expressed her relief at the rescue of her daughter while remaining anxious for the safety of her other two children. “There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to reunite with all her kids.
Deputy Commissioner Rogers addressed the media, expressing condolences to Phillips’ family and noting the situation’s devastating implications. “This is devastating news for Tom Phillips’ family and is the outcome that nobody wanted,” she remarked.
The police are actively searching for Ember and Maverick, with serious concerns for their well-being. Authorities had previously offered a reward for information about Phillips and the children’s whereabouts, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
As the investigation continues, the community is left reeling from the events that unfolded in the peaceful backdrop of Waikato. This incident raises critical questions about the challenges facing families involved in custody disputes and the extreme measures that can arise from them.
Stay tuned for further updates as police work to ensure the safety of the remaining children and investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
